Top drummers took over a Watford pub to mark the launch of a new book revealing some of their craziest experiences on and off stage.

Spike Webb, who lives in Abbots Langley, has been playing the drums for more than 40 years after forming his first band as a pupil at Watford Grammar School for Boys.

He has now published a book, entitled Mad, Bad and Dangerous, that lifts the lid on what it's really like to be a drummer.

Contributors include Don Powell from Slade, Jon Moss of Culture Club, and Andy Wells of Meat Loaf.

Other drummers to feature in the book, including Mohair's Pete Baker and the former Razorlight member Andy Burrows, joined Spike to officially launch his book at The Horns, in Hempstead Road, on Tuesday evening.

Also among the guests were Spike's 80-year-old mother Betty Webb, who gave a speech towards the end of the night.

“It went very well,” he said. “It was great fun. We had lots of drummers turning up to play. It was a good night.”

Bushey-born Spike, 51, most notably played with Sid Sideboard and the Chairs in the 1970s before joining The Zimmermen, the Dirty Dog Band and The Horns pub house band.

He said his “visual” inspiration was watching The Move drummer Bev Bevan, who wore dark glasses.

“He just looked really great and drums look great,” Spike said.

Spike, an advertising copywriter for 25 years, formed his first band aged 12, and he revealed his “one and only” drum lesson came from Simon Phillips, a world-class session drummer who toured with The Who following Keith Moon's death.

He has now spent the last few years compiling his book, which features stories and anecdotes from the music industry.

“It started with a conversation with a mate in The Horns five years ago. We were chatting about what it's like to be a drummer. We came up with this idea of doing a book, and I went ahead and did it.

“I interviewed a couple of well-known drummers and it branched out from there. I've got more than 40 world famous drummers in the book.”

Spike said the book had been received “very well” and hasn't ruled out a sequel.

“A lot of people say they picked it up expecting to read some fun or interesting stories about drummers but there's a but more in it than that.

“Our drummers actually mad? They are always perceived to be mad and in a light-hearted way, the book investigated that.

“Either way, every single drummer I met couldn't have been more delightful. They are a lovely bunch of people.”

Spike's top five drummers:

Ringo Starr (The Beatles) - “Because of the total unique creativity in what he does.”

Charlie Watts (The Rolling Stones) - “No other drummer plays like him.”

Phil Collins (Genesis) - “I just love his playing and whole approach to it.”

Steve Gadd (session drummer) - “He's just a fabulous player.”

Karen Carpenter (The Carpenters) - “She was actually a great drummer.”